During the National Energy Week, the Piet Kruijt Award 2025 was presented to Max Schalow, developer of the first officially approved electric scooter on Dutch public roads.
The award, presented annually at the Zero Emission | Ecomobiel trade fair, honours individuals or organisations that make outstanding contributions to the development of light electric vehicles (LEV) in the Netherlands. The Piet Kruijt Award is named after a pioneer who tirelessly championed the breakthrough of electric transport.
The jury, consisting of Bram van Dijk (Bright.NL, chair), Pieter Dekker (HAN) and Eric de Kievit (CROW/KPVV), praised SELANA for its perseverance, innovative strength and societal impact. “SELANA has not only delivered a technical masterstroke,” said jury chair Bram van Dijk, “but has also shown that vision and determination can change mobility legislation. Thanks to their efforts, the electric scooter is finally recognised as a fully-fledged means of transport in the Netherlands.”
A First in Dutch Mobility History
The award-winning product, the SELANA Alpha, is the result of six years of intensive development. The scooter is the first and only one legally permitted on Dutch cycle paths and that can be insured. With this, Selana marks an important milestone in the transition to smart, emission-free urban mobility. The electric scooter is permitted for riders aged 16 and above, with no helmet or licence requirement – an important step towards accessible, sustainable travel in the city.
Founder Max Schalow looks back with pride on the journey that led to this moment: “It is an honour to receive this award and to have the hard work we have put into the legalisation of our e-scooter recognised. We truly believe this is the next step for Dutch mobility.” Schalow describes how SELANA, despite years of scepticism from the market, investors and policy circles, kept persevering. “We were often told it was impossible,” he said previously. “But by not giving up, we have shown that innovation can go hand in hand with regulation.”
An Inspiring Example for the LEV Sector
The jury praised SELANA as an example for other companies operating in the LEV domain. Van Dijk: “SELANA proves that entrepreneurs don’t have to wait for policy – they can shape it. Their success shows that the combination of technical expertise, legal perseverance and social engagement makes the difference.”
Zero Emission | Ecomobiel – Where Innovation and Recognition Meet
The award ceremony took place during the 16th edition of Zero Emission Ecomobiel, the leading trade fair for sustainable mobility and emission-free technologies, organised by 54events. The fair is one of the pillars of the National Energy Week, which also brings together Vakbeurs Energie, Industrial Heat & Power and PREFAB to showcase the full breadth of the energy transition. According to Almar Walstra of 54events, the Piet Kruijt Award is an indispensable part of the programme: “With this award, we celebrate people who not only accelerate the energy transition, but also make it tangible. The Selana scooter shows how innovation literally gets moving – from idea to a concrete, legal product on the road.”
The National Energy Week and Zero Emission | Ecomobiel attract thousands of professionals annually who work on the transition to emission-free mobility. On the trade floor, both major brands and innovative start-ups present their latest applications – from heavy construction logistics to urban micromobility.
About the Piet Kruijt Award
The Piet Kruijt Award is named after Piet Kruijt, one of the founders of the Dutch LEV sector. The award recognises pioneers who – like Kruijt – push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of light electric vehicles. The award is presented annually at Zero Emission Ecomobiel and symbolises the bridge between innovation, regulation and societal progress.
About 54events
54events is the organiser of leading trade fairs such as Zero Emission Ecomobiel, Vakbeurs Energie, Industrial Heat & Power and PREFAB. Driven by the conviction that the energy transition can only succeed through collaboration, 54events connects professionals, businesses and policymakers within the sector.
